Page 44 of On the Fly
“We don’t really have an employee fraternization policy,” Henry Bates said, drumming his pen against the portfolio on his lap. The man’s face had flushed over the last hour as he sat across from Ander and tried to explain the lack of policy coming from his department. Ander’s scowl intensified as a bead of sweat trickled down the side of Mr. Bates’s face. Yeah, he’d be sweating quite a bit with the heavy workload Ander had just dumped on the guy.
“You’re telling me, in today’s world, Rora has no set policy on our employees dating one another?” Even saying the words a second time hadn’t helped them make any sense. His brother Jakob would have his work cut out for him wrangling the legal department if they’d continued their plan to take over the airline. They should thank him when all was said and done. He saved them untold effort going forward.
“Good morning,” Erik said from the door to his office. “Am I interrupting? Mandy’s not out here.”
“You’re late. Take a seat.” Ander nodded to the chair next to Mr. Bates.
Erik stiffened as he came inside the office. “I’m not late. It’s nine o’clock. I flew in less than seven hours ago and spent time reviewing the mess you left me last night.”
“And the workday begins at eight a.m.” Ander leaned back in his chair, seeing a new strategy to get his family to agree to sell Rora. He’d be the biggest asshole they’d ever seen. None of them did well with a structured schedule, and for the next however long he had to put up with this place, they would operate as a business should.
“Actually, we start at eight thirty,” Mr. Bates said, seemingly trying to finally add something of value to their meeting. It didn’t work at all.
“Okay, that changes too. Draft a release form to send to Ms. Chadwick. One that outlines her agreement to both an interpersonal relationship and its amicable end. Have her sign the document and put it in her personnel file. Then send an email to our entire corporate staff, moving up the start of our workday. After you’re done, start building a policy on interpersonal relationships in the workplace.” When the director started to speak, Ander lifted a hand, stopping him. “Pattern our policy after Google’s. I can’t believe there hasn’t been more of an issue with sexual harassment around here.”
Erik laughed straight out loud and stared pointedly at Ander.
“Contrary to what my brother’s insolence may indicate, today is my first day as acting CEO. Which is the reason I’m ending that relationship properly.” He lifted a brow at his brother, daring him to say more.
It worked. Erik silenced whatever thought he had ready to tumble from his lips.
“I also need a temp in here today. Someone sharp and eager to work—if we even have anyone like that employed here. Then call the mailroom, send a couple of employees in to box this paperwork.” His hand swept over the piles on the desk and conference table. “We need to store it somewhere convenient for the forensic accountant I’m going to hire.”
Erik interrupted him. “I thought Skye was coming in to handle everything as CFO.”
“We can discuss that in a moment.” Ander returned his attention to the HR director. “Based on our previous conversation, I’m assuming we have no real policy on hiring?” Ander lifted an eyebrow in question.
Mr. Bates just shook his head. Of course, they didn’t.
“Also, officially move Ms. Chadwick’s direct report to Erik’s department. He’s taking over Communications/Public Relations effective immediately. Social media can fall under his purview.” Ander waited for the nod as Mr. Bates wrote on his pad. When that came, he said, “You can go now,” dismissing the man.
Bates raised a startled gaze, glancing between the brothers as if he wasn’t sure who Ander had spoken to. Once he understood, he stood, hurriedly leaving the room without another word. Ander interpreted his hastened pace to indicate relief. Erik must have too with the silent laugh he gave, watching Mr. Bates leave the office.
“Erik, you need to shadow James Beasley. He’s in charge of the communications/public relations. I’d say I would let him know of your arrival, but I’m certain Bates there already has him on the phone.” Ander started to rise. He needed coffee and the bathroom, but Erik lifted a hand, stopping him.
“Hold up, Ander.”
He narrowed his eyes, looking over his brother as he stood, and issued another directive. “Also, the corporate dress code is changing as soon as the policy is written and approved. You’re too casual.” He waved a hand to indicate his brother’s attire. “That’s the problem with this whole place, everyone is too casual. Slacks, button-down, and a tie every day.”
That directive went over pretty much like Ander thought it might. Erik rolled his eyes. “Oh Lord, I’m not going back to the Nineties for anyone, not even you.”
“It’s not open for discussion.” Ander left him sitting there, heading to the Keurig on the sidebar in his office. “Where I’m at now is calling in a forensic accounting firm I use with my business—”
“Brother,” Erik said. He’d risen and stood somewhere between him and the desk. Erik’s tone held compassion, something Ander had no interest in hearing right now.
“I’m bringing them in to dive deep into the books. They’re a mess. We need clarity there before we ever begin trying to decipher what he’s done with those overseas account. The one thing that’s come of this week is there’s no chance I’m willing to stay and sink with this ship. I’m recommending we sell. It can happen slowly, over the next year, but I see no other choice.” The hiss of the coffee maker drowned out any objection his brother might have made.
“I don’t believe—” Erik started again.
Ander cut him off with the truth. “It doesn’t matter what you believe.”
“Give me a chance to end a fucking sentence.” Erik’s tone turned steely and hard. “You can’t make this decision by yourself.”
“I just did. I’m acting CEO and none of you have the ability to run this company on your own. Not a one of you stepped up. You foisted it on me, and therefore, it’s my decision to make. Get behind it or get lost.” His words were meant to have a bite, and they did, drawing Erik’s normally passive gaze into something hard and angry.
“Asshole,” Erik muttered. “I’m saying you don’t have the votes to accomplish this. You might get to make unilateral decisions in your own life, but we all own this company. No matter how extra-special you think you are.” Erik faced Ander, hands on his hips, prepared to argue his points.
“Dear old dad decided how I’d handle this situation. I’m not about to let him down.” Ander could hear the sarcasm and condescension in his own voice. Erik’s wince told him he’d struck a chord. “I’m not fixing his mess. He never wanted us in his company—none of us—why do you all want to be in it now?” He could admit being curious. His dad hadn’t singled Ander out as unworthy. He’d treated them all that way.
